Everest Guides International
Plan your trip

Makalu-Barun, Nepal / Trek

Makalu Base Camp

Walk from the Arun Valley settlements into the upper Barun Valley beneath Makalu.

Explore the itinerary Ask about this journey
Mount Makalu viewed from the southwest
Mount Makalu viewed from the southwest.
Duration
23 daysOutline programme
Journey
TrekMakalu-Barun
Season
Spring and autumnAsk for current dates
Experience
Demanding remote trekTrek

A closer look at the journey.

Makalu Base Camp takes the journey beyond the more frequently visited trekking valleys. The approach starts around Tumlingtar and Khandbari, then moves through Num, Seduwa and Tashigaon before climbing toward the high forest and pass country. Beyond that divide, the route reaches the open Barun Valley and the Base Camp area.

This programme gives time near the head of the valley before a longer return through lower settlements to Tumlingtar. It suits experienced walkers comfortable with remote stages, changing trail conditions and a simpler overnight routine. The team should confirm the exact camps or lodges and the travel connection into the Arun Valley when arranging the trip.

  • The Arun Valley approach and Tashigaon
  • The high crossing into the Barun Valley
  • Time around Makalu Base Camp

The route, day by day.

This is an outline programme. The team will confirm the route and arrangements with you, allowing for weather, access and local conditions.

Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu

Begin the programme with your arrival connection and time to settle in. Meet the local team to review the journey ahead.

Day 2Kathmandu: sightseeing and preparation

Spend the day on the planned local visits, with walking and travel arranged around access and your interests.

Day 3Fly to Tumlingtar and walk to Khandbari

Take the planned flight connection, subject to the operating schedule and weather. Coordinate the onward stage with the local team.

Day 4Khandbari to Fururu

Follow the walking route from Khandbari to Fururu. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 5Fururu to Num

Follow the walking route from Fururu to Num. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 6Num to Seduwa

Follow the walking route from Num to Seduwa. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 7Seduwa to Tashigaon

Follow the walking route from Seduwa to Tashigaon. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 8Tashigaon to Kauma

Follow the walking route from Tashigaon to Kauma. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 9Cross the high approach to Mumbuk

Follow the planned high-route stage when conditions allow. Your guide confirms the timing, pace and overnight arrangements.

Day 10Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka

Follow the walking route from Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 11Nehe Kharka to Sherson

Follow the walking route from Nehe Kharka to Sherson. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 12Walk to Makalu Base Camp

Follow the planned trail into the Base Camp area, with the walking pace and overnight stop agreed with your guide.

Day 13Rest and explore the Base Camp valley

Remain in the area with time to rest. Any local walk is selected with your guide according to the conditions and the group.

Day 14Return to Nehe Kharka

Continue the planned walking stage, with breaks and the overnight stop arranged around the route and conditions.

Day 15Nehe Kharka to Mumbuk

Follow the walking route from Nehe Kharka to Mumbuk. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 16Mumbuk to Kauma

Follow the walking route from Mumbuk to Kauma. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 17Kauma to Tashigaon

Follow the walking route from Kauma to Tashigaon. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 18Tashigaon to Balung

Follow the walking route from Tashigaon to Balung. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 19Balung to Pukuwa

Follow the walking route from Balung to Pukuwa. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 20Pukuwa to Bumling

Follow the walking route from Pukuwa to Bumling. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 21Bumling to Tumlingtar

Follow the walking route from Bumling to Tumlingtar. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 22Fly to Kathmandu

Take the planned flight connection, subject to the operating schedule and weather. Coordinate the onward stage with the local team.

Day 23Depart Kathmandu

Complete the programme with the agreed departure transfer and onward travel arrangements.

A clear plan and quotation.

Request an itemised quotation for your group, dates and preferred level of support. Agree the inclusions before booking travel.

Services to discuss

  • Local guiding and mountain support arrangements
  • City and mountain accommodation, equipment and meal plan
  • Ground travel and any domestic flights shown in the agreed programme
  • Local access and trip arrangements required for the route

Budget separately

  • International travel and connections outside the agreed programme
  • Personal travel insurance and personal equipment
  • Drinks, personal purchases and optional activities
  • Tips and changes requested beyond the agreed programme

Before you set out.

Previous multi-day walking experience and preparation for consecutive mountain days are useful. Discuss the altitude, terrain and pass requirements with the team.

Accommodation: Hotels on the travel stages and camping on the mountain route; camp support and equipment to be agreed.

Use the trip preparation guide to plan equipment, travel documents and questions for the team.

Can the daily walking plan change?

Yes. Weather, trail conditions and the group's pace can affect individual stages. Agree the overall route and any important alternatives with the team.

What style of trek is this?

It is a remote mountain journey through the Barun approach, with camping and support arrangements to agree before departure.

Other journeys to explore.

Everest, Lhotse and Makalu catching the last sun, seen from Gokyo Ri

Tell us where you want to stand.

Bhim PaudelExecutive Director

We reply from a real person’s inbox, never a list.

Season

Highest altitude so far, any summits, and when you can travel.